Food Preparation Workers Salary in Eastern North Carolina

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $29,260 -14.5% vs national
Median hourly $14.07
10th percentile $20,210
90th percentile $38,120
Employed locally 970
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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Eastern North Carolina
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $20,210
    25th
    $23,300
    50th (median)
    $29,260
    75th
    $33,760
    90th
    $38,120

    Top-paying metros for Food Preparation Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $44,120
    Napa, CA $43,260
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $42,830
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $41,980
    Boulder, CO $41,490
    Greeley, CO $41,340

    Related occupations in Eastern North Carolina

    OccupationMedian salary
    Cooks, Fast Food $23,240
    Waiters and Waitresses $22,870
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,260
    Cooks, Restaurant $30,360
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $39,590
    Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $21,780

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Eastern North Carolina?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Eastern North Carolina is $14.07, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.57 or more per hour.

    Is Eastern North Carolina above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Eastern North Carolina is 14.5% below the national median of $34,220. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Food Preparation Workers in Eastern North Carolina?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $20,210 per year in Eastern North Carolina. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,300.